Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli on Tyler Seguin: ‘Got to become more of a professional’

Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli on Tyler Seguin: ‘Got to become more of a professional’

By

Fluto Shinzawa

June 30, 2013

By Fluto Shinzawa, Globe Staff

Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli issued his most emphatic critique of Tyler Seguin since the forward entered the NHL.

“He’s got to commit his mind and focus to the one task at hand,” Chiarelli said. “He’s got to become more of a professional. You know what? I can say that about a lot of 21-year-olds. I know he got criticized for playing on the periphery and all that stuff. He did. He’s got to commit to being a professional and focusing on the game. Simple as that. He does that, we don’t expect him to be crashing and banging. Just play your game.”

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Inquiries on Seguin withered after Nathan Horton declared his intention to test free agency. If he were to trade Seguin, Chiarelli said he would demand an elite young player or prospect in return. Even if Seguin is not traded, Chiarelli hopes the chatter will straighten out the forward.

“I hope it does,” Chiarelli said. “If it doesn’t, I’d be more concerned. We gave Tyler a big contract because he projects and he had good performance. I would expect that going forward.”

Starting next season, Seguin will earn $5.75 million annually for the next six years.